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Wednesday 30 November 2022
Troy Sex Offender Sentenced for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Lawrence Belcher, age 37, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for attempting to coerce and entice a child to engage in sexual acts with him. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In previously pleading guilty, Belcher admitted that between January and April 2022, he sent sexually explicit text messages to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. Belcher asked to meet the child in person in order to engage in sexual acts with the child in his car. On April 14, 2022, Belcher traveled to a motel parking lot in Schenectady County in order to meet and have sex with the child. Belcher was encountered by law enforcement upon his arrival and arrested; he has been in custody since April 14.
Belcher has a prior misdemeanor conviction for sexually abusing a child younger than 14 years old, and was a registered sex offender at the time of his arrest in April. He also has two misdemeanor convictions for failing to comply with New York State sex offender registry requirements.
Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release to begin after Belcher is released from prison. Belcher will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Rotterdam and Colonie Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Barnett as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Lying About Origin of Chinese-Made ProductsRead the Press Release
A Grand Prairie man pleaded guilty Wednesday to lying to the federal government about where his company’s products were manufactured, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Suhaib Allababidi, 45, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His company, 2M Solutions Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of filing false or misleading export information.
According to court documents, Mr. Allababidi, the owner and president of 2M, admitted that the company – which provided security cameras, solar-powered light towers, digital video recorders, and other electronics to various U.S. government agencies – claimed that its products were manufactured in the United States, when in actuality they were manufactured in the People’s Republic of China by Chinese companies.
In order to secure contracts with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Allababidi represented that 2M was “a USA Manufacturing Company.” In actuality, 2M did little to no manufacturing but instead regularly purchased products from Chinese companies, removed labels indicating the true country of origin, and replaced them with labels indicating they were manufactured in 2M’s Grand Prairie facility. On its packaging, 2M included logos including the American flag in the shape of a map of the U.S. and the words “Made in the USA.”
By falsely representing that its products were manufactured in the United States, 2M was able to secure contracts subject to the Buy America Act (BAA), a law which generally prohibits United States Government agencies from purchasing products made outside the United States with some limited exceptions.
2M repeatedly certified to the government that its products were BAA-compliant and took various steps to conceal their Chinese origin. On one occasion, when products were to be shipped directly from a Chinese company to the government agency, a 2M employee sent the Chinese company an email reminding them, “we do not want any Chinese characters or stickers on the shipment” and adding that such stickers “will cause many problems for us.”
2M also pled guilty to submitting false information in relation to products exported to foreign customers. In contravention of export laws, the company submitted false information to the Automated Export System, a government-run platform that collects export information and distributes it to multiple federal agencies to assure compliance. The company falsified the description of items exported, misrepresented the ultimate recipient of the items, and falsely stated that no export license was needed for shipments that required a license.
“The federal government takes pride in purchasing products made in the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham. “This defendant’s lies undermined the Buy America Act and with it, American manufacturing.”
“Today's outcome demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the DoD procurement process,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory P. Shilling, DCIS Southwest Field Office. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who put the DoD supply chain at risk.”
Mr. Allababidi now faces up to five years in federal prison. 2M faces fines of up to $1 million or twice the amount of criminally-derived property, whichever is greater.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, the General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer prosecuted the case with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Team Telecom Recommends the FCC Deny Application to Directly Connect the United States to Cuba Through Subsea CableRead the Press Release
The Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector, aka Team Telecom or the Committee, today recommended that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deny an application by ARCOS-1 USA Inc. and A.SurNet Inc. subsea cable system (ARCOS-1 Cable System) to modify the system by adding an additional segment directly connected to the United States through a new landing station in Cojimar, Cuba.
“The United States supports an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet around the world, including in Cuba. Unfortunately, the Cuban government does not share that view,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “As long as the Government of Cuba poses a counterintelligence threat to the United States, and partners with others who do the same, the risks to our critical infrastructure are simply too great.”
As submitted to the FCC, the ARCOS-1 Cable System application would have allowed for the only direct, commercial subsea cable connection between the United States and Cuba. This raised national security concerns, as the cable-landing system in Cuba would be owned and controlled by Cuba’s state-owned telecommunications monopoly, Empresa de Telecommunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA). The Government of Cuba – which the United States recognizes as authoritarian and a foreign adversary of the United States – could access sensitive U.S. data traversing the new cable segment through its control of ETECSA.
The Committee’s recommendation was based on factors including the following:
- The Government of Cuba has long represented a significant counterintelligence threat to the United States by virtue of its espionage and other intelligence activities targeting the United States. Directly connecting an undersea cable from the United States to Cuba, where a Cuban state-owned company would have exclusive use of the cable, control over that cable’s Cuban landing station, and remote access to traffic on it, could advance the Cuban government’s intelligence objectives by giving it direct access to the U.S. persons’ communications and sensitive data traversing the cable.
- This risk of access is not limited to U.S. traffic destined for Cuba. There are several ways in which traffic destined for places outside Cuba, which otherwise would not traverse Cuban networks, could nonetheless be misrouted by ETECSA or otherwise re-routed over this cable into Cuban territory and the Cuban government’s hands.
- These risks are exacerbated by the Cuban government’s relationships with other foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The Cuban government could share any information collected from this cable with those foreign adversaries – thereby advancing additional counterintelligence efforts by foreign adversaries against the United States.
Subsea fiber optic cable systems are a critical national security asset and carry most of the world’s internet, voice and data traffic between continents. Although the United States supports the Cuban people’s access to an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet, the Committee found that this particular license application pertains to a cable landing that presents unacceptable risks to U.S. national security and law enforcement interests that cannot be mitigated.
The Committee was established pursuant to Executive Order 13913 and is led by the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Foreign Investment Review Section. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense are fellow members of the Committee. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration filed the recommendation on behalf of the Executive Branch.
More information concerning the Committee’s recommendation is available on the FCC’s International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), under Docket Number SCL-MOD-20210928-00039
St. Louis County Woman Sentenced to 2+ Years in Prison, Ordered to Repay $357,000 in Pandemic Loan FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Wednesday sentenced a woman from St. Louis County, Missouri to 27 months in prison for committing a $357,000 fraud involving a pandemic relief program.
Judge Pitlyk also ordered Rose Ann Shaw, 65, of Ladue, to repay the money, which she had fraudulently obtained via Paycheck Protection Program loans. The PPP loans were designed to help save jobs at small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shaw lied about the number of employees and the companies’ payroll in her applications on behalf of three companies that she’d set up.
On May 11, 2020, Shaw applied for a PPP loan on behalf of Shaw Investments LLC, falsely claiming it had seven employees and an average monthly payroll of $44,400. She received a $111,000 loan.
On May 29, 2020, Shaw submitted a PPP loan application on behalf of Shaw Brokerage Real Estate Investment Firm LLC, falsely claiming the company had seven employees and an average monthly payroll of $54,256. She received a $135,638 loan.
In August of 2020, Shaw submitted an application for Vision LLC, falsely claiming it also had seven employees and an average monthly payroll of $44,400. She got another $111,000.
Shaw pleaded guilty on February 28 to one count of bank fraud.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll prosecuted the case.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Soliciting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge U.S. District Ronnie L. White on Wednesday sentenced a man from St. Louis County, Missouri who sought nude pictures from an undercover police officer to five years and three months in prison.
Robert L. Payne, 77, will also be on supervised release for life after he gets out of prison and has been banned from parks, playgrounds and other places where children gather.
Payne had repeatedly been watching and trying to talk to boys at Fenton City Park, 1215 Larkin Williams Road. St. Louis County police responded to complaints about Payne, and spotted Payne at the park each day between March 1 and 4, 2021. On March 2nd, Payne moved his vehicle in the park about eighteen times, including backing into a space to allow him to watch the Lindbergh High School boys’ lacrosse team practice. On March 3, Payne tried to talk to about 10 to 12 young males near the basketball courts.
On March 8, 2021, a police officer pretending to be a 16-year-old played basketball at the park and then used a trashcan near Payne, who was sitting in his parked red 2003 Ford Ranger. Payne began talking to the officer, offered to perform oral sex on him and gave the officer his contact information.
Payne later contacted the officer and repeatedly offered to engage in sex acts with him before requesting a picture of the purported teen’s genitals.
Payne pleaded guilty in August to a felony charge of solicitation of child pornography.
In 2018, the Sunset Hills Police Department investigated Payne over allegations that he’d approached a 16-year-old male at Minnie Ha Ha Park and offered to perform oral sex on him. Payne later pleaded guilty to a harassment charge and was ordered to stay away from the park.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Retaliatory Drug MurderRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White on Wednesday sentenced a man from St. Louis County to 25 years in prison for a retaliatory drug murder in 2020.
Cevone Weeden, now 26, fired at least 12 shots at Joel Phillips, 22, in the parking lot of a McDonald’s at 1420 Hampton Avenue in St. Louis on August 20, 2020.
Weeden’s co-defendant, Herschell Perkins, 37, was sentenced November 2 to 15 years in prison.
Two days before the murder, Phillips arranged to buy fentanyl from Weeden, his source of supply of the drug, but instead robbed him and then blocked Weeden’s phone number.
Weeden enlisted another person to call Phillips and arrange to buy fentanyl to lure Phillips out into the open so Weeden could retaliate.
Perkins drove Weeden to the McDonald’s and the pair watched Phillips for nearly two hours. Perkins then picked Weeden up after the murder.
Phillips was found dead in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, along with $1,814 in cash, a gun, a phone and 156 capsules containing a mixture of drugs including the fentanyl Phillips stole from Weeden.
Weeden and Perkins both pleaded guilty on August 1. Weeden pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime that resulted in the death of Phillips. Perkins pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the firearm charge.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Spencer Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Spencer man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Joseph Michael Smith, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni who scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2023. Smith was arrested and charged in November 2021 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022.
Investigators received several tips that CSAM was shared from messenger accounts tied to Smith’s address. During a search of Smith’s residence on Nov. 10, 2021, a USB drive was seized, and a forensic analysis revealed 35 videos depicting children as young as two-years-old being sexually abused, as well as over 300 images on child sexual exploitation that had downloaded to, and deleted from, the USB drive.
The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Spencer Police Chief David Darrin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Rollins’ Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
South Burlington Man Pleads Not Guilty to Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Andrew Lane, 36, of South Burlington, was arraigned yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of two firearms. Lane pleaded not guilty. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered that Lane be held without bail pending trial.
According to court records, on October 14, 2022, law enforcement executed federal search warrants for the Lane’s South Burlington residence, a Burlington apartment, and Lane’s 2017 BMW 540i. From a hidden compartment beneath the center console of the BMW, which was parked next to Lane’s South Burlington residence, law enforcement recovered two loaded firearms: a semi-automatic 9mm handgun and a .38 caliber revolver. Lane is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of his prior felony convictions. In the search of the South Burlington residence, law enforcement also recovered approximately $36,000 in U.S. currency.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the indictment is merely an accusation and that Lane is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
If convicted, Lane faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, and recognized the helpful assistance of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, South Burlington Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Burlington Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lane is represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
South Burlington Man Charged with Making a False Statement in Connection with Acquisition of Handgun Found at Massachusetts Homicide SceneRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office stated Cameron Yee, 21, of South Burlington, was arrested yesterday based upon a one count indictment charging him with making a materially false statement in connection with his acquisition of a Glock handgun from a South Burlington federally licensed firearm dealer. Yee will be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon at 2:30 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle.
Court filings state that Yee purchased a Glock .40 on October 11, 2022, and the weapon was recovered less than 24 hours later at the scene of a shootout in Springfield, Massachusetts, that resulted in the death of two men. According to Court records, when Yee acquired the gun he falsely stated to the gun store that he was the actual purchaser/transferee, when he actually was purchasing the weapon on behalf of a man who supplied him with money to make the purchase.
The indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If Yee is convicted of the charged offense, he will face a maximum possible prison sentence of 10-years, but the sentence would be informed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives lead the investigation, in coordination with the South Burlington, Vermont, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Departments.
Michael P. Drescher is the Assistant United States Attorney. Yee is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn
Somerset County Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for $1.6 Million COVID-19 Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.6 Million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Insurance Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Jordan C. Larkins, 32, of Somerset, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering. Judge Quraishi imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2020 through July 2020, Larkins perpetrated a scheme to defraud PPP lenders and the SBA by submitting three fraudulent PPP loan applications to three different lenders and 11 fraudulent EIDL applications to SBA. The fraudulent applications resulted in a total loss of $1.64 million to the lenders and the SBA. Larkins misused the funds by, among other things, transferring funds to a foreign bank and paying various personal expenses.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentence Larkins to three years of supervised release and order restitution in the amount $ 1.64 million.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the IRS–Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins; and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Six charged federally in connection with drug distribution ring operating in Skagit and Whatcom CountiesRead the Press Release
Seattle – Six members of a drug distribution conspiracy operating in Skagit and Whatcom counties were charged federally today with various drug and firearms crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Enoc Martinez Lopez, aka “Victor,” 27, of Marysville, Washington, was the main supplier of drugs to other co-conspirators. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances (including heroin and fentanyl), and distribution of fentanyl. Martinez Lopez appeared in U.S. District Court today, and has a detention hearing scheduled for tomorrow.
The other defendants will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle over the next few days.
“Drug trafficking organizations are spreading fentanyl pills throughout our district – from rural areas to urban centers,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. “I commend the coordinated efforts in Whatcom and Skagit Counties to expeditiously interdict these potentially deadly drugs.”
The criminal complaint details how various defendants interacted with supplier Martinez Lopez and other drug customers. In April 2022, investigators initially saw Martinez Lopez meeting with defendant Adam Wisniewski, 41, of Bellingham, Washington at the Silver Reef Casino in Whatcom County. Wisniewski was later arrested with more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder and a firearm. Wisniewski was arrested a second time in June 2022 with two firearms and fentanyl pills. Wisniewski is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, as well as two counts of illegal possession of firearms. Wisniewski cannot legally possess firearms due to a felony drug possession conviction (2011) in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Defendant Manuel Garcia Munoz, 21, of Marysville, Washington is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of heroin for a June 2022 sale of heroin.
Defendant Casey Landis, 39, of Bellingham, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute including methamphetamine and fentanyl. In October 2022, Landis left a fanny pack on a counter at Silver Reef Casino that was found to contain fentanyl and meth. An analysis of Landis phone revealed extensive drug trafficking text messages with drug supplier Martinez Lopez and with drug customers.
Defendant Jesse Witteveen, 37, of Maple Falls, Washington, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The criminal complaint alleges that on November 1, 2022, Witteveen tried to flee from police and tossed a bag of drugs out of his car window before he was taken into custody in rural Whatcom County. A search of Witteveen’s car and residence turned up fentanyl pills, meth, multiple cell phones, firearms parts, and ammunition.
Finally, defendant Corbin Saunders, 43, of Bellingham, is charged with unlawful possession of firearms. Saunders is the owner of a Tesla that was observed leaving a known drug involved residence in Bellingham. The vehicle was stopped, and a drug dog alerted that it detected the odor of drugs in the vehicle. Using a court authorized search warrant, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The Tesla also contained an AR-15 style rifle and a 9mm handgun. Corbin Saunders cannot legally possess firearms due to felony convictions for theft and forgery and convictions for possession of heroin and methamphetamine, all in Whatcom County Superior Court.
“The results of today’s sweeping law enforcement operations show that the DEA, in close collaboration with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, continue our collective commitment to safeguard our communities from the dangers of fentanyl poisoning by individuals who attempt to sell fake pills, often times doing so while armed,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This successful joint law enforcement operation has ensured these dangerous drugs, weapons, and dealers have been taken off our streets, ultimately making the communities we all live in safer places for everyone.”
Since the beginning of the investigation and through yesterday's takedown, law enforcement has seized: 11.5 kilos of fentanyl pills, 2.8 kilos of fentanyl powder, 5.7 kilos of cocaine, 1.6 kilos of heroin and 8.7 kilos of crystal meth, more than $186,000 in cash and nine firearms.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bellingham Resident Office (DEA), working with the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, the CBP Air & Marine Operations, the Lummi Police Department, the Everson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs.
Cocaine whatcom_drug_case_complaint.pdfSeventeen New York City and State Public Employees Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Pandemic Relief LoansRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), and Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging RODNEY SMITH, DENISE GANT, EBONY SIMON, PHYA SCOTT, PRISCILLA JACKSON, SHARON CHARLES, YOLANDA LAWRENCE, YOLANDA RATCLIFF, and ZHANE RATCLIFF with conspiring to commit wire fraud by submitting fraudulent SBA loan applications, as well as Complaints charging BRANDON BOYLE, DELILAH CUMMINGS, VASHAWN FOREMAN, TREVOR GORDON, DIONE HALL, TONI MCCULLOUGH, JAROD OTTLEY, RONETTE SHORT, EDWIN SKEPPLE, and WALTER SUSSWELL individually with wire fraud for submitting fraudulent loans under the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program and/or its Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). Most of the defendants were arrested this morning. BOYLE, CUMMINGS, FOREMAN, GORDON, HALL, MCCULLOUGH, OTTLEY, SHORT, SKEPPLE, and SUSSWELL will be presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in Manhattan federal court. SMITH, GANT, CHARLES, LAWRENCE, YOLANDA RATCLIFF, and ZHANE RATCLIFF will be presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. SIMON, SCOTT, and JACKSON are not in custody.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Scheming to steal Government funds intended to help small businesses weather a national emergency is offensive. And, as public employees, these folks should have known better. This Office will continue to prosecute those who use fraud to line their pockets with taxpayer money.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso said: “Of those arrested today are civil servants, NYPD employees, and a Captain for the Department of Corrections. These are individuals who held positions of trust and had strong, stable jobs while so many people struggled during the pandemic. The message that these arrests are sending should be a clear one. Nobody is above the law and while the pandemic has receded from the headlines, IRS-CI’s commitment to bringing those who defrauded these programs to justice remains unwavering.”
SBA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite said: “It is especially egregious when individuals that hold positions of public trust engage in criminal activity. OIG is committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
According to the 11 Complaints unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and publicly available information:[1]
RODNEY SMITH, DENISE GANT, EBONY SIMON, PHYA SCOTT, PRISCILLA JACKSON, SHARON CHARLES, YOLANDA LAWRENCE, YOLANDA RATCLIFF, and ZHANE RATCLIFF, together with others known and unknown, conspired together to obtain fraudulent SBA loans. GANT, SIMON, SCOTT, YOLANDA RATCLIFF, and ZHANE RATCLIFF were each employees of the New York City Police Department (the “NYPD”); LAWRENCE was an employee of the New York City Human Resources Administration; JACKSON was an employee of the Metropolitan Transit Authority; and CHARLES was an employee of a non-profit organization in New York City. During the summer of 2020, they each conspired with SMITH and others to submit fraudulent applications for loans to the SBA’s EIDL program. The fraudulent loan applications submitted in the names of the defendants made similar false claims about gross revenues and number of employees, and many of the applications claimed that the defendants operated hair and nail salons. Many of the defendants paid kickbacks to SMITH and/or other members of the conspiracy after their fraudulent loans were funded.
BRANDON BOYLE, DELILAH CUMMINGS, VASHAWN FOREMAN, TREVOR GORDON, DIONE HALL, TONI MCCULLOUGH, JAROD OTTLEY, RONETTE SHORT, EDWIN SKEPPLE, and WALTER SUSSWELL each submitted one or more fraudulent applications for loans under the SBA’s PPP and/or EIDL program. BOYLE and SUSSWELL worked for the NYPD; CUMMINGS, MCCULLOGH, and FOREMAN worked for the New York City Department of Education; SKEPPLE worked for the New York City Department of Corrections; GORDON had recently retired from the New York City Department of Corrections; OTTLEY worked for the New York City Department of Transportation; and SHORT worked for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. Frequently, the applications for these defendants, which were submitted at various times in 2020, were on behalf of purported sole proprietorships in the defendants’ own names. In support of their fraudulent loan applications, the defendants claimed six-figure gross revenues for businesses that actually earned far less, if they existed at all. Many defendants claimed employees that they did not actually have, and many spent the proceeds of their loans on personal expenses, including in-person gambling at casinos, online gambling, personal stock investments, home furniture and electronics, and luxury clothing items.
Across all of these schemes, the defendants collectively stole more than $1.5 million from the SBA and financial institutions that issued SBA-guaranteed loans and intended or attempted to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars more.
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RODNEY SMITH, 54, DENISE GANT, 52, EBONY SIMON, 45, PHYA SCOTT, 51, PRISCILLA JACKSON, 41, YOLANDA LAWRENCE, 48, and ZHANE RATCLIFF, 27, all of Brooklyn, New York, SHARON CHARLES, 56, of Queens, New York, and YOLANDA RATCLIFF, 48, of Inwood, New York, are each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Each of those charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. SMITH is also charged with a single count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. VASHAWN FOREMAN, 40, DIONE HALL, 55, and WALTER SUSSWELL, 28, all of Queens, New York, DELILAH CUMMINGS, 37, TREVOR GORDON, 66, TONI MCCULLOUGH, 39, and RONETTE SHORT, 40, all of Brooklyn, New York, BRANDON BOYLE, 31, of New York, New York, JAROD OTTLEY, 57, of Valley Stream, New York, and EDWIN SKEPPLE, 40, of West Nyack, New York, are each charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents from the IRS-CI and the SBA-OIG. Mr. Williams also thanked the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance in the investigation of these cases.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kedar S. Bhatia, Rebecca T. Dell, and Derek Wikstrom are in charge of the prosecutions.
The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Complaints and the descriptions of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Prince George’s County Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Tiffany Renea Edmundson, age 34, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, yesterday to 94 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for three armed commercial robberies and for violating her supervised release for a previous federal conviction on the same commercial robbery charge. Judge Grimm also ordered Edmundson to pay $1,035 in restitution to the victim businesses.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to her plea agreement, beginning late on August 30, 2020, to the early morning hours of August 31, 2020, Edmundson robbed three Prince George’s County convenience stores at gun point. In each robbery, Edmundson stole cash and in the third robbery she also stole approximately $535 in lottery tickets. Following the third robbery, PGPD identified the vehicle used in the robbery as a white Hyundai Sonata bearing a Virginia license plate.
Approximately 15 minutes after the third robbery was reported, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Sonata, but the driver refused to stop and sped away, with police following. The Sonata subsequently crashed in the 3100 block of Bellbrook Court in Temple Hills, Maryland. Police pursued Edmundson as she ran away, tossing a blue/black book bag towards the rear of a nearby house. Edmundson was arrested and the book bag was recovered. The bag contained a cell phone, stolen lottery tickets, cash and a Maryland driver’s license that displayed Edmundson’s name. Edmundson was wearing clothing that matched the description given by the victims of the clothing worn by the person who committed the robberies. On September 3, 2020, a search warrant was executed for the Sonata, which was leased to Edmundson. Law enforcement recovered a neon yellow and orange glove and a black ski mask with a silver spider web pattern, that matched the mask and gloves worn during the robberies.
Law enforcement recovered a total of approximately $323 in cash from the Sonata, from Edmundson’s person, and from her book bag.
At the time of the robberies, Edmundson was on federal supervised release for a previous armed robbery conviction. The conditions of her supervised release included mandatory conditions that she not commit any new crime and that she not own, possess, or have access to a firearm. By committing the convenience store robberies, Edmundson violated those conditions of her supervised release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Engelking and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-neighborhoods-psnexile and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Portland Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Defraud Covid Relief Programs While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman was sentenced to federal prison today for violating the terms of her post-prison supervised release by submitting two fraudulent applications for loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tiairre Travonne Chaney, 35, was sentenced to six months in federal prison followed by a 24-month term of supervised release.
According to court documents, in September 2015, Chaney was charged by criminal information with one count of wire fraud after she submitted 35 fraudulent income tax returns and caused the IRS to pay her more than $155,000 in unwarranted tax refunds. One month later, Chaney pleaded guilty to the single charge and, in February 2016, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Chaney was released from prison in November 2016.
By June 2018, Chaney was found to have violated her supervised release conditions by failing to pay restitution, failing to file true and correct taxes, and failing to report to her probation officer. As a result, she was placed on GPS monitoring for 30 days. In December 2019, Chaney violated her supervision terms a second time by again failing to report to her probation officer and pay restitution and also failing to obtain lawful employment. She was sentenced to three months in prison and her 33-month term of supervised release was reimposed.
In January and May 2021, Chaney violated her supervised release a third time by submitting to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) two fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)for Tncw Baked Goods, LLC, a straw entity she formed after the onset of the pandemic. In her applications, Chaney falsely denied being on supervised release and denied her felony conviction. In the second application, she falsely claimed Tncw Baked Goods, LLC, realized gross revenues of $45,663 in 2020 when in fact it had done no business whatsoever.
This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). It was prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Ponte Vedra Beach Contract Postal Carrier Indicted on Theft of Mail ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an
indictment charging Kori Ann Moreno (26, Ponte Vedra Beach) with theft of mail over an eight-month period. If convicted, Moreno faces up to five years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. She was arrested on November 29, 2022, by agents from the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and subsequently released on a bond.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Philadelphia Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Conrad Benedetto, 66, of Philadelphia, PA, and who is an attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone to multiple tax fraud charges in connection with his scheme to avoid paying the appropriate amount of personal and business taxes over to the IRS for several years in connection with his Philadelphia law practice.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges of failure to file a tax return and failure to collect or pay employment tax, both arising from an investigation that revealed that from tax years 2013 to 2015, Benedetto filed false personal tax returns understating his law practice’s gross receipts; for tax years 2016-2018, the defendant failed to file personal tax returns; and for 2017, failed to truthfully account for, or pay over to the IRS, federal income and FICA taxes withheld from the wages of his law firm’s employees.
“As the sole owner and operator of his law practice, the defendant had a fiduciary obligation to file taxes in a timely and accurate manner,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Further, as an attorney, he had a duty to conduct himself with professionalism and integrity; instead, he chose the greedy path. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will investigate and hold responsible those who would attempt to cheat the United States tax system.”
“Mr. Benedetto had a responsibility to do what honest taxpayers do every year: file accurate tax returns and pay over the taxes they owe. However, even being an attorney, he elected not to do so, which ultimately led to today’s guilty plea,” said Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. The Special Agents of my office, together with the Department of Justice, will continue to investigate and prosecute those who intentionally violate our tax laws.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joan Burnes.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to Twenty-Six Years in Federal Prison for Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Charles E. Posey, Jr., 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 26.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This career criminal has demonstrated his unwillingness to abide by the law, committing repeated drug crimes. Given the outstanding work of our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be distributing drugs in our community.”
During his plea in federal court, Posey admitted being present at a residence in Pensacola on December 3, 2020, which contained over $20,000 in United States currency, ten firearms, and large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Posey’s white Lexus was also present on scene, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives located large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana within it along with a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an attached “drum” acting as an extended magazine with 27 live rounds inside.
“This sentencing is great news for the Florida Panhandle communities,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell. “A dangerous felon – a repeat drugs and firearms offender -- will be locked up for a long time, thanks to our incredible partnership with Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office-Northern District of Florida.”
Posey is a multi-convicted felon who has been to state prison previously. His prior state convictions also involve drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Posey’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Kaitlin Weiss.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Parkersburg Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Benjamin Michael Nash, 38, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation for attempting to possess with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and psilocybin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Nash admitted that he traveled from Parkersburg to California in July 2020 and obtained controlled substances to sell in the Parkersburg area. On July 28, 2020, Nash shipped a package containing the controlled substances from Santa Cruz, California, to a 19th Street address in Parkersburg.
On August 8, 2020, a United States Postal Service employee working in the Parkersburg Post Office stopped delivery of the package and forwarded it to law enforcement after smelling suspected marijuana. Officers obtained a search warrant to open the package and found it contained approximately 875.4 grams of a methamphetamine mixture, 50 boxes of candy bars made with the psychedelic drug psilocybin weighing approximately 1.9 kilograms, 19 pounds of marijuana, and smaller amounts of cannabis oil, flower, resin and seeds. Nash admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine, marijuana and psilocybin candy bars.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. The Court had previously granted Nash pre-sentencing release to allow him to participate in a residential substance abuse program at Recovery Point. The Court later postponed sentencing so Nash could finish the program. The Court at sentencing cited Nash’s successful competition of that program and his subsequent promotion to his current position as a peer mentor supervisor at Recovery Point.
“Mr. Nash should be commended for his hard work in taking advantage of the opportunities that the Court afforded him to recover from his addiction,” United States Attorney Will Thompson said. “It is readily apparent that Mr. Nash has suffered from addiction most of his adult life. While his addiction certainly did not excuse his criminal conduct, I certainly hope he continues down his personal path to recovery.”
Thompson also commended the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force for their investigative work, and Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks for the prosecution of the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-194.
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Out of state man ordered to prison for stalking local victimRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 47-year-old Colorado man has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of stalking and threatening a woman with releasing sexually-explicit images unless she moved with him across the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Moses Cano pleaded guilty Sept. 20.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered Cano to serve 46 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how the victim was still emotionally distraught about Cano, has changed how she interacts with others and has moved. Judge Brown heard that the victim chose not to be present at the hearing so not to give Cano the satisfaction of seeing her again. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cano, while on supervised release, would not be able to contact the victim directly or indirectly or contact any of her friends or family that he knows based on their relationship.
Cano and the victim dated for a brief amount of time. At the end of that relationship, Cano made threats to her if she did not agree to come to Colorado with him. The victim refused. In retaliation, he then sent sexually-explicit images of the victim to her place of employment and several of her friends.
At the time of his plea, he admitted he took over her Facebook account and used it to send the images and other messages to her contacts.
In distress, the victim contacted authorities.
Cano will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.
Orange Park Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Images and Videos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Charles LeLande Boston (32, Orange Park) to six years in federal prison for receiving child sex abuse images. Boston was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. In addition, Boston was ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution to the victims of his offense. He was arrested on August 12, 2021, and ordered detained pending the outcome of this case. He had pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022.
According to court documents, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted an online investigation on a file-sharing network for files containing materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. In January, March, and April 2021, a CCSO detective connected with a computer that had files depicting the sexual abuse of children available for sharing over the internet. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CCSO later executed a search warrant at the residence connected to that computer and Boston was determined to be the owner of the computer. An examination of Boston’s computer revealed a folder of downloaded files from the internet containing approximately 80 files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
“Sexual predators who victimize children have no place in our society or in our communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Thanks to our outstanding partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to stop another pedophile from targeting our children.”
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
North Dakota Felon Charged with Threatening to Murder a United States OfficialRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A North Dakota man has been charged in a criminal complaint with threatening to murder a United States official, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on September 14, 2018, Robert Philip Ivers, 69, of West Fargo, North Dakota, was convicted by a federal jury of threatening to murder a federal judge and interstate transmissions of threats and was sentenced to a prison term of 18 months, followed by three years of supervised release. On August 1, 2019, Ivers was released from Bureau of Prisons custody and began his term of supervised release under the supervision of a Unites States Probation Officer.
According to court documents, on September 1, 2020, Ivers left a profanity-laced voicemail on his probation officer’s telephone, which constituted a violation of the terms of Ivers’ conditions of supervised release. On November 17, 2022, during a revocation hearing, Ivers was sentenced to additional prison time and additional supervised release time. The conditions of Ivers’ supervised release included the immediate surrender his Minnesota driver’s license, and that he maintain appropriate communication with probation officers. At the conclusion of the hearing, Ivers was escorted to an interview room where he quickly became agitated and pounded his fists on a table, broke a chair leg, and threw his paperwork while continuously screaming the word “hate.” When Ivers left the room, he extended his middle fingers at one of the probation officers and yelled “I’m going to get some [expletive] to [expletive] kill you!”
Ivers is charged with one count of threatening to murder a United States official. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance later today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Marshals Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa M. Kirkpatrick and Allison K. Ethen.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Britain Man Involved in Theft of 14 Guns from Portland Firearm Dealer Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENNEY COTTO, 25, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses stemming from his participation in the burglary of a Portland firearms dealer in December 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 31, 2020, Cotto and Christopher Matos burglarized Central Connecticut Arms, a federally-licensed firearms dealer in Portland, and stole 14 firearms. On January 5, 2021, investigators searched an SUV that Cotto and Matos used during the burglary and recovered clothing that Cotto wore during the burglary, a hammer and tire iron Cotto and Matos used to break into Central Connecticut Arms, and other evidence. Investigators also found Matos’s DNA at the crime scene, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed clothing he wore during the burglary.
On January 4, 2021, Hartford Police arrested Cotto on unrelated firearm and drug possession charges. He has been detained since his arrest.
To date, three of the firearms stolen from Central Connecticut Arms have been recovered by law enforcement. Two were recovered by the FBI in an unrelated narcotics investigation, and the third was seized by Waterbury Police after it was fired into the air during an altercation. The remaining 11 firearms are unaccounted for.
On April 21, 2022, Cotto pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
Matos, 34, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on October 31, 2022, was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment.
Judge Dooley ordered Cotto and Matos to pay $21,528.91 in restitution.
This investigation was conducted by ATF and the Portland, New Britain, Berlin and East Longmeadow (Mass.) Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Nashville Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Armed Methamphetamine Trafficking in KentuckyRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Nashville, Tenn., man, Marlon Jermaine Johnson, 39, was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to evidence at trial, on November 18, 2019, Johnson led law enforcement officers with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department on a high-speed chase, through residential streets in Corbin, before crashing into a gate and a parked car. Johnson then fled on foot, into a cemetery, where he was ultimately apprehended. During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement located more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.
Johnson was convicted in July 2022.
Under federal law, Johnson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. He will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years after his release from prison.
Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; J. Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Mike Smith, Knox County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Operation UNITE. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Trimble.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Shier coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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Minneapolis Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Making Threats Against Hennepin County Government Officials, Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for making threats against Hennepin County employees and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, the Hennepin County District Court issued an arrest warrant for Peter Robert Berry, 60, after he failed to appear in court for a hearing. Berry called an employee of Hennepin County Community Corrections to ask questions about his court appearance. During the call Berry became angry and began yelling and threatened to “shoot up the place.” That same day, Berry left a voice message for a Hennepin County Probation Officer in which Berry demanded a call back before he starts “killing everybody.” On June 25, 2021, Berry called a Hennepin County Service Center employee who informed him of the active warrant for his arrest due to his failure to appear in court. Upon learning about the warrant, Berry stated that he was going to “come down and kill everybody, all the judges, clerks, and deputies.” On June 29, 2021, Berry left a voice message for a Hennepin County Public Defender in which Berry expressed his dissatisfaction with the representation he received in his criminal case and threatened that people were going to die and stated that he knew where the public defender lived.
According to court documents, on July 10, 2020, and on April 7, 2021, Berry unlawfully possessed three firearms, including a Beretta .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol, and a Diamondback DB15 rifle. Because Berry has prior felony convictions in Hennepin, Dakota, and Ramsey Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Berry was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Eric C. Tostrud. On June 22, 2022, Berry pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon and one count of interstate transmission of a threat.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison K. Ethen prosecuted the case.
Maryland man sentenced for role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alan Clark Tolliver, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 74 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Tolliver, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Tolliver admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in March 2021 in Berkeley County.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; and the New Jersey State Police investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania assisted.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Stalking Former Co-WorkerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ranjith Keerikkattil, 34, of Catonsville, Maryland, who left the United States after he was found guilty of stalking a junior co-worker, and was finally re-arrested four years later, has been sentenced to an 11-month prison term.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Robert J. Contee, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Keerikkattil was found guilty of the stalking charge on July 9, 2018, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert A. Salerno released Keerikkattil following the verdict, pending sentencing. The judge ordered him to appear the next morning to have a GPS monitoring device installed. However, he failed to appear, and left the United States, ending up in Australia, where he remained a fugitive for over four years. A grand jury subsequently indicted him on July 11, 2018, on a felony charge of violating the Bail Reform Act. He was finally arrested on Oct. 4, 2022, at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. He has pleaded not guilty to the felony Bail Reform Act charge and faces trial on Jan. 4, 2023.
The Honorable Judge James A. Crowell IV sentenced the defendant on Nov. 29, 2022, to the maximum of 12 months of incarceration; however, all but 11 months of the time was suspended on the condition that Keerikkattil successfully complete five years of supervised probation. Keerikkattil will also be required to stay away from the victim, her family, trial witnesses and the consulting firm, as well as be prohibited from possessing a firearm while serving the five years of supervised probation.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, the criminal conduct began in May 2015, while Keerikkattil was a senior consultant at a consulting firm in Rosslyn, Virginia. The victim, who resided at the time in the District of Columbia, had begun her first job out of college in 2015 as a business technology analyst for the firm. Keerikkattil was her first mentor on her first project. After the victim performed countless evening and weekend hours on the project, Keerikkattil, told her that he only brought her onto the project to get close to her and that he was merely giving her busy work. He ignored her wishes to keep their relationship strictly professional and continued to pursue her. After she repeatedly tried to resolve the matter herself, she reported Keerikkattil, on June 1, 2015, to her human resources counselor.
Keerikkattil was fired on June 19, 2015, for not being forthcoming about his conduct during the firm’s internal investigation of the matter. He blamed the victim for his termination and then began a stalking campaign in retaliation. His acts included publishing false allegations about the victim on the Internet and through mass e-mails to the victim and former company employees in order to seriously frighten and defame her. When ignored, he escalated his actions. Almost two months after being fired, he sat in a café that was frequented by company employees, including the victim. He was able to obtain eye contact with the victim on one occasion inside this café, frightening her even more. The victim’s attorney notified Keerikkattil, instructing him not to have any further contact with her, but he continued to text her.
With the victim continuing to ignore him, Keerikkattil decided to take a plane almost 3,000 miles to Seattle and then rent a car and travel an additional three hours to pay an unannounced visit to the victim’s parents in a remote suburb of Portland, Oregon. On Oct. 24, 2015, he knocked on the door to the victim’s childhood home, which was at the bottom of a long driveway, and asked her father for directions to the nearby parks. It took a moment for the father to piece things together. Once he was able to figure out whom the defendant was, he slammed and locked the door and called 911. Keerikkattil texted the victim shortly thereafter, “Was nice meeting your dad today.” An arrest warrant was obtained shortly thereafter, and Keerikkattil was arrested on Dec. 19, 2015, and charged with stalking.
At the sentencing hearing, the court also considered a statement from another female victim who had claimed that Keerikkattil had stalked her in 2012-2013, where he filed similar lawsuits against her and “doxed” her on the Internet. The Government referenced this prior alleged stalking behavior during its argument, drawing the court’s attention to the striking similarities between the two victims and how Keerikkattil chose to torment them.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Contee commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Lynda Randolph and Stephanie Siegerist, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen, and Victim/Witness Services Coordinator La June Thames. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ethan Carroll and Kristina Wolf, who assisted in investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Giovannelli, who prosecuted and tried the case to verdict and through sentencing.
Man from Las Cruces pleads guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced that Jesus Manuel Castaneda-Villa pleaded guilty on Nov. 29 to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury. Castaneda-Villa, 32, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on Dec. 3, 2021, the victim allegedly met with Castaneda-Villa, her ex-boyfriend, in a La Quinta hotel in Las Cruces. After the two began to argue, Castaneda-Villa threw a toolbox at the victim. He demanded her car keys, threatened to put a “bullet through your head,” then pointed a firearm at her and took her purse and cell phone. As Castaneda-Villa was going through her purse, the victim jumped from an open window to escape. Castaneda-Villa then fled in the victim’s vehicle.
During her escape, the victim broke her right wrist, which caused her extreme physical pain and resulted in the protracted impairment of her ability to use her right hand.
By the terms of the plea agreement, Castaneda-Villa faces 11 years and eight months in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police and District Attorney's Office for the 3rd Judicial District of New Mexico. Assistant United States Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Matilda McCarthy Villalobos are prosecuting the case.
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Man Caught with Gun and Drugs in St. Louis Sentenced to 9+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Wednesday sentenced a man who was caught with a gun and cocaine base after fleeing from St. Louis police to nine years and two months in prison.
Montez Jackson, 33, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty in July to two felonies, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and admitted being caught with the gun and drugs.
On July 19, 2020, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department saw an Audi sedan run a stop sign in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood. They began following the car, checked the license plate and learned it was unregistered. The Audi then sped away, running another stop sign before colliding with another vehicle.
Jackson left the driver’s seat and ran off. He was caught after a lengthy chase.
Police found a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine and 29 grams of cocaine base, packaged for sale, in the car that Jackson admitted possessing.
Jackson has six five drug convictions and two convictions for firearms offenses.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kourtney M. Bell prosecuted the case.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to fentanyl distribution charges.
Rafael Sierra-Baez, 42, pleaded guilty on Nov. 28, 2022 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2023. Sierra-Baez was arrested and charged on May 19, 2022.
On five separate occasions between Feb. 22, 2022 and May 4, 2022, Sierra-Baez sold suspected fentanyl to a law enforcement cooperating witness in Methuen.
The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Armed Fentanyl Trafficker of Causing Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Justin Kelly (35, New Port Richey) guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, three counts of possession/distribution of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Due to his six prior felony convictions for cocaine distribution in two separate cases, Kelly faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2023. Kelly had been indicted on June 24, 2021.
According to evidence presented at trial, Kelly was a supplier of fentanyl in Pasco County. He used addicts to sell the drug for him and yielded profits of thousands of dollars per day. In the early hours of November 18, 2020, “E.L.” was found face down in his kitchen in New Port Richey by his wife, while his stepchildren were asleep a few feet away. Detectives from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office learned that a dealer named Steven Kinney had supplied the fentanyl. Kinney identified Kelly as his supplier and made recorded purchases of fentanyl from him. Search warrants executed at Kelly’s motel room and a storage unit resulted in the seizures of additional fentanyl, cash, kilogram presses, digital scales, and an M&P 15 rifle. Cellphone records corroborated that Kelly was the supplier of the fentanyl that Kinney had distributed to “E.L.” before he died.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tarpon Springs Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and Dan Baeza.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Van Lee Harrell, 35, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Marshall Avenue residence in Huntington where Harrell was living. Officers found approximately 8.6 grams of crack, three firearms, ammunition and digital scales in Harrell’s bedroom. Harrell admitted to possessing the crack and further admitted that he had been distributing drugs.
Harrell is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-148.
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Houma Man Charged with Failure to Account for and Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENE CLEMENT (“CLEMENT”), age 75, of Houma, Louisiana, was charged with failing to account for and pay federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.
According to court documents, CLEMENT conducted a business under the name Vinyl Products, LLC. During the fourth quarter of the year 2017, CLEMENT collected federal income taxes and FICA taxes in the approximate sum of $28,809.73 from his employees but did not account for or pay any of that money to the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted, CLEMENT faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, CLEMENT also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $10,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 is also applicable.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
Group Home Owners Sentenced in $1 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas married couple was sentenced today for a $1 million Medicare fraud scheme, including violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
Lindell King, 53, of Missouri City, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Ynedra Diggs, 45, also of Missouri City, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. King and Diggs were also ordered to pay $537,992.55 in restitution.
On April 4, King and Diggs were convicted after trial in the Southern District of Texas of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and multiple substantive violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, both Diggs and King were patient recruiters who owned and operated group homes in which Medicare beneficiaries lived. In exchange for sending their group home residents to the Behavioral Medicine of Houston (BMH), a community mental health center that purported to provide partial hospitalization services, BMH paid Diggs, King, and other patient recruiters illegal kickbacks in cash and by check, often concealed as payment for “transportation” or other sham services. During the course of the conspiracy, BMH fraudulently billed approximately $1 million to Medicare in claims related to patients it received in exchange for the kickbacks paid to Diggs and King.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery for the Southern District of Texas; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region; Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Special Agent in Charge James H. Smith III of the FBI Houston Field Office; and Chief William Marlowe of the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG, FBI, and MFCU investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Monica Cooper and Acting Assistant Chief Brynn Schiess of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Gibson Woman Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that FLORENCE RANDLE (“F. RANDLE”), age 70, of Gibson, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 29, 2022 to Count One (1) of her indictment, charging her with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In exchange, the government agreed to dismiss four counts of Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. In pleading guilty to Count 1, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; a fine up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 43.
According to court documents, F. RANDLE served as an intermediary who recruited and directed passengers to participate in staged automobile collisions with tractor-trailers on May 17, 2017 and June 6, 2017. The passengers in these collisions filed fraudulent lawsuits that falsely claimed that the tractor-trailers were at fault. F. RANDLE and her co-conspirators coordinated with others, including “slammer” Damian Labeaud and attorney Patrick Keating, to arrange the staged collisions. The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for March 1, 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
Fourth unlawful entry lands Mexican citizen in prisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 36-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Raul Catalino Vasquez-Estrada, Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico, pleaded guilty May 4.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Vasquez-Estrada to serve 50 months in federal prison. The court also ordered him to serve an additional seven months for violating his conditions of supervised release. Not a U.S. citizen, Vasquez-Estrada is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of Vazquez-Estrada’s previous criminal history.
On March 1, authorities arrested Raul Catalino Estrada-Vasquez approximately 2.9 miles west of the Gateway Port of Entry in Brownsville. Estrada-Vasquez did not possess any documents that allowed him to be or remain in the United States legally.
Estrada-Vasquez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.
Former Sheriff’s Captain’s Accomplice Sentenced to Prison for Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
For further information contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak (619) 546-9709 or Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961SAN DIEGO - Self-described “consultant” Waiel “Will” Anton was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for years of corrupt conduct after pleading guilty in July to two counts of obstruction of justice.
Anton admitted collecting cash payments from the operator of several unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in exchange for law enforcement information about impending searches, and for continuing to obstruct justice with the same dispensary operator while Anton was on federal pretrial release in one of his criminal cases.
Although he was never a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy, Anton was a close associate of former Sheriff’s Captain M. Marco Garmo, who pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearms trafficking and admitted an array of corrupt conduct in September 2020. Garmo is currently serving a two-year sentence in federal prison.
In describing the larger case against Garmo and all of his co-defendants, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel observed that, “had the [federal] government not conducted this investigation and prosecuted Captain Garmo, there was a possibility that we would have had one of the most corrupt government officers ever leading the San Diego Sheriff's Department. And one can only imagine what types of favors, what type of corrupt schemes would have been hatched, would have been employed, would have become the templates for how the sheriff's department operates. And it's horrifying to even think about that prospect.” In pronouncing sentence on Anton, Judge Curiel emphasized that “the public is entitled to honest services by government officials.”
In his plea agreement, Anton admitted providing supposed “consulting” services to multiple operators of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries between January 2017 and February 2019. In particular, Anton collected a fee from the operator of the lucrative “Empire” dispensary in Spring Valley—a region then included in Garmo’s jurisdiction. In return for regular cash payments, Anton provided the operator with advance warning of planned Sheriff’s Department searches of the operator’s business locations, information which Anton received from Garmo.
Anton’s text messages with Garmo reveal the pair discussing a Sheriff’s search of the Empire operator’s competition in May 2018. Garmo reported to Anton that he had instructed his lieutenant to search another illegal dispensary located close to the Empire operator, in order “to scare the fuk outta [him] lol.” Anton responded: “Fuck yeah gman” and “Close them all,” but Garmo wrote back “$$$,” apparently reminding Anton that their focus was Anton’s ongoing profit-making scheme rather than legitimate law enforcement. Anton replied: “I got you.”
In his own plea agreement, Garmo had admitted tipping off a different illegal marijuana dispensary part-owned by his cousin in July 2018, before a separate putative law enforcement search.
At about the same time, Anton ran a different “consulting” venture for applicants for County permits to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Per court records, in exchange for substantial fees, Anton would help his applicants submit their CCW paperwork and secure early appointments with civilian County staff. In his guilty plea, Anton admitted making an illegal $100 cash payment to a county clerk who ensured favored treatment for his CCW clients. Garmo admitted in his own plea papers that his role in Anton’s scheme was to refer CCW “consulting” clients to Anton in exchange for kickbacks of $100 apiece.
In February 2019, Anton met with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whom Garmo had referred to Anton after selling the undercover agent a pair of off-roster handguns. In exchange for a $1,000 cash payment, Anton called the Licensing clerk whom he had paid off and secured a two-week CCW appointment for the agent instead of the eight-month wait available to the public. During their meeting, Anton bragged that he would become the head of Sheriff’s Licensing after Garmo was elected Sheriff.
After ATF and FBI agents searched Anton’s home on February 13, 2019, Anton placed an unsolicited call to the undercover agent. During the call, Anton admonished the agent nine times in six minutes not to tell federal agents, if questioned, that he had paid Anton any money as part of their deal. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton added that the undercover agent should falsely claim that he and Anton were friends and business associates.
In March 2021, while on federal pretrial release for his criminal case with Garmo, Anton met with the owner of the unlicensed “Empire” dispensary to offer his services once again. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton met the illegal dispensary operator in a parking lot and showed him a page of Anton’s criminal discovery in violation of a court order. In exchange for another $5,000 in cash, Anton told the operator who to stay away from because they might be cooperating with law enforcement.
Court documents show that Anton was able to commit these offenses because his associates perceived him as almost a police officer himself. For example, Anton promised to “send a unit”—i.e., a marked police car—to a local businessowner complaining about a homeless person frequenting his shop.
“Proximity to power is not a license to break the law,” said Attorney for the United States Rebecca Church. “Anton leveraged his image as an apparent law enforcement insider to obstruct and subvert justice and to line his own pockets with criminal proceeds. This office will not tolerate unlawful corruption in any form.”
Anton was ordered to forfeit five firearms that he admitted were involved in a violation of criminal law for purposes of forfeiture. In total, approximately 302 firearms and 131,458 rounds of ammunition have been forfeited as part of this investigation. Anton was also ordered to pay a fine of $56,215.
Church praised the talented and dedicated investigators from the ATF and FBI who have worked on this case. She added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to once again extend its sincerest gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, without whose referral this case would not have been possible. Church also thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their assistance and support throughout the course of the investigation.
“Individuals who knowingly participate in firearms trafficking schemes must take accountability for their role in aiding individuals who acquire firearms illegally,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “This complex investigation involving multiple defendants was made possible by the cooperation and collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We have effectively disrupted yet another firearms trafficking operation.”
“Mr. Anton often purported to be a law enforcement officer and exploited his access to law enforcement information and influence for his own personal gain,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corruption and ensure those who violate the law will be held fully accountable.”
Defendants U.S. v. Garmo, et. al, 19-CR-4768-GPC Morad Marco Garmo, 55 years old sentenced to two years in custody, forfeiture of 58 firearms and 5,385 rounds of ammunition, and $8,350 fine, following felony guilty plea Leo Joseph Hamel 65 years old sentenced to one year of probation and 100 days of house arrest, forfeiture of 229 firearms and 126,073 rounds of ammunition, following felony guilty plea Giovanni Vincenzo Tilotta 41 years old sentencing pending, following conviction at trial Fred Magana 45 years old sentencing pending, following guilty plea Waiel Yousif Anton 38 years oldSummary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(b)(3) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Defendant U.S. v. Anton, 22-CR-1142-GPC Waiel Yousif Anton 38 years old
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(c)(2) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prisonInvestigating Agencies
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Former Sheriff’s Captain’s Accomplice Sentenced to Prison for Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Nicholas Pilchak (619) 546-9709 or Andrew Haden (619) 546-6961
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 28, 2022
SAN DIEGO – Self-described “consultant” Waiel “Will” Anton was sentenced today to 12 months and a day in federal prison for years of corrupt conduct after pleading guilty in July to two counts of obstruction of justice.
Anton admitted collecting cash payments from the operator of several unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in exchange for law enforcement information about impending searches, and for continuing to obstruct justice with the same dispensary operator while Anton was on federal pretrial release in one of his criminal cases.
Although he was never a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy, Anton was a close associate of former Sheriff’s Captain M. Marco Garmo, who pleaded guilty to unlicensed firearms trafficking and admitted an array of corrupt conduct in September 2020. Garmo is currently serving a two-year sentence in federal prison.
In describing the larger case against Garmo and all of his co-defendants, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel observed that, “had the [federal] government not conducted this investigation and prosecuted Captain Garmo, there was a possibility that we would have had one of the most corrupt government officers ever leading the San Diego Sheriff's Department. And one can only imagine what types of favors, what type of corrupt schemes would have been hatched, would have been employed, would have become the templates for how the sheriff's department operates. And it's horrifying to even think about that prospect.” In pronouncing sentence on Anton, Judge Curiel emphasized that “the public is entitled to honest services by government officials.”
In his plea agreement, Anton admitted providing supposed “consulting” services to multiple operators of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries between January 2017 and February 2019. In particular, Anton collected a fee from the operator of the lucrative “Empire” dispensary in Spring Valley—a region then included in Garmo’s jurisdiction. In return for regular cash payments, Anton provided the operator with advance warning of planned Sheriff’s Department searches of the operator’s business locations, information which Anton received from Garmo.
Anton’s text messages with Garmo reveal the pair discussing a Sheriff’s search of the Empire operator’s competition in May 2018. Garmo reported to Anton that he had instructed his lieutenant to search another illegal dispensary located close to the Empire operator, in order “to scare the fuk outta [him] lol.” Anton responded: “Fuck yeah gman” and “Close them all,” but Garmo wrote back “$$$,” apparently reminding Anton that their focus was Anton’s ongoing profit-making scheme rather than legitimate law enforcement. Anton replied: “I got you.”
In his own plea agreement, Garmo had admitted tipping off a different illegal marijuana dispensary part-owned by his cousin in July 2018, before a separate putative law enforcement search.
At about the same time, Anton ran a different “consulting” venture for applicants for County permits to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Per court records, in exchange for substantial fees, Anton would help his applicants submit their CCW paperwork and secure early appointments with civilian County staff. In his guilty plea, Anton admitted making an illegal $100 cash payment to a county clerk who ensured favored treatment for his CCW clients. Garmo admitted in his own plea papers that his role in Anton’s scheme was to refer CCW “consulting” clients to Anton in exchange for kickbacks of $100 apiece.
In February 2019, Anton met with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), whom Garmo had referred to Anton after selling the undercover agent a pair of off-roster handguns. In exchange for a $1,000 cash payment, Anton called the Licensing clerk whom he had paid off and secured a two-week CCW appointment for the agent instead of the eight-month wait available to the public. During their meeting, Anton bragged that he would become the head of Sheriff’s Licensing after Garmo was elected Sheriff.
After ATF and FBI agents searched Anton’s home on February 13, 2019, Anton placed an unsolicited call to the undercover agent. During the call, Anton admonished the agent nine times in six minutes not to tell federal agents, if questioned, that he had paid Anton any money as part of their deal. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton added that the undercover agent should falsely claim that he and Anton were friends and business associates.
In March 2021, while on federal pretrial release for his criminal case with Garmo, Anton met with the owner of the unlicensed “Empire” dispensary to offer his services once again. As admitted in his plea agreement, Anton met the illegal dispensary operator in a parking lot and showed him a page of Anton’s criminal discovery in violation of a court order. In exchange for another $5,000 in cash, Anton told the operator who to stay away from because they might be cooperating with law enforcement.
Court documents show that Anton was able to commit these offenses because his associates perceived him as almost a police officer himself. For example, Anton promised to “send a unit”—i.e., a marked police car—to a local businessowner complaining about a homeless person frequenting his shop.
“Proximity to power is not a license to break the law,” said Attorney for the United States Rebecca Church. “Anton leveraged his image as an apparent law enforcement insider to obstruct and subvert justice and to line his own pockets with criminal proceeds. This office will not tolerate unlawful corruption in any form.”
Anton was ordered to forfeit five firearms that he admitted were involved in a violation of criminal law for purposes of forfeiture. In total, approximately 302 firearms and 131,458 rounds of ammunition have been forfeited as part of this investigation. Anton was also ordered to pay a fine of $56,215.
Church praised the talented and dedicated investigators from the ATF and FBI who have worked on this case. She added that the U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to once again extend its sincerest gratitude to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, without whose referral this case would not have been possible. Church also thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their assistance and support throughout the course of the investigation.
“Individuals who knowingly participate in firearms trafficking schemes must take accountability for their role in aiding individuals who acquire firearms illegally,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas. “This complex investigation involving multiple defendants was made possible by the cooperation and collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. We have effectively disrupted yet another firearms trafficking operation.”
“Mr. Anton often purported to be a law enforcement officer and exploited his access to law enforcement information and influence for his own personal gain,” said Stacey Moy, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Division. “Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate corruption and ensure those who violate the law will be held fully accountable.”
U.S. v. Garmo, et. al, 19-CR-4768-GPC
Defendants
Morad Marco Garmo, 55 years old—sentenced to two years in custody, forfeiture of 58 firearms and 5,385 rounds of ammunition, and $8,350 fine, following felony guilty plea
Leo Joseph Hamel, 65 years old—sentenced to one year of probation and 100 days of house arrest, forfeiture of 229 firearms and 126,073 rounds of ammunition, following felony guilty plea
Giovanni Vincenzo Tilotta, 41 years old—sentencing pending, following conviction at trial
Fred Magana, 45 years old—sentencing pending, following guilty plea
Waiel Yousif Anton, 38 years old
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(b)(3) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
U.S. v. Anton, 22-CR-1142-GPC
Defendant
Waiel Yousif Anton, 38 years old
Summary of Charges
Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1512(c)(2) – Attempted Obstruction of Justice
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison
Investigating Agencies
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Former Portland Man Sentenced to 3+ Years for 2021 Armed Standoff at Brewer WalmartRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A former Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stemmed from an August 2021 standoff with the Brewer Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Patrick Mullen, 52, to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Mullen pleaded guilty on February 10, 2022.
According to court records, on August 28, 2021, the Brewer Police Department was called to the Brewer Walmart parking lot due to a reported disturbance. Mullen was located in the lot in his truck, and a check of his information showed that he had three outstanding warrants. In addition, he was observed in his truck holding a firearm. After an hours-long standoff, he was arrested. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2017 conviction in the Washington County Unified Court for domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.
The Brewer, Holden and Bangor police departments; Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office; Maine State Police; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. The Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. To learn more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
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Former Physician Sentenced for Second Health Care Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SPYROS PANOS was sentenced to 111 months in prison for health care fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. PANOS pled guilty to the charges on October 30, 2020. United States District Judge Kenneth M. Karas imposed the sentence today in White Plains federal court.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Spyros Panos, a former surgeon who surrendered his license to practice medicine after a prior conviction for health care fraud in this District, abused our healthcare system for his own personal profit again, and he is now facing a return to prison. The sentence he received appropriately reflects the seriousness of his crime and of recidivism in the eyes of the law.”
According to the Indictment, to which PANOS pled guilty, and other statements and submissions made in Court:
PANOS surrendered his New York State license to practice medicine in 2013 in anticipation of pleading guilty to an indictment charging him with health care fraud. Thereafter, while out on release in that case, and after surrendering his license, he began perpetrating a scheme to defraud six medical peer review companies by impersonating a licensed orthopedic surgeon practicing in Westchester County (“Doctor-1”). Among other things, PANOS submitted Doctor-1’s credentials to peer review companies and conducted peer reviews using Doctor-1’s name and credentials. He stopped engaging in the scheme while he served his prison sentence. After he was released, he resumed perpetrating the scheme. During the course of the scheme, PANOS defrauded the peer review companies of $876,389.97.
According to court documents, in advance of his November 2, 2020, trial, PANOS submitted proposed defense exhibits that included fraudulent emails and records. While on release pending sentencing, PANOS submitted false and fraudulent documents in support of requests for adjournments of sentencing based on false claims that he tested positive for COVID-19 and then suffered from COVID related pneumonia. In July 2022, after the Court revoked his bail conditions and ordered him remanded, PANOS was arrested and placed in custody.
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In addition to the prison term, PANOS, 54, of Hopewell Junction, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York Inspector General.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margery Feinzig and Lindsey Keenan are charge of the prosecution.
Former Officers of Non-Profit Dedicated to Helping Children Plead Guilty to Using Organization’s Funds for Personal GainRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The former Executive Director and the former Director of Operations and Finance of the now-defunct non-profit organization DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation (DC Trust) each pleaded guilty today to one felony charge relating to their personal use of the non-profit’s funds, which were intended for youth scholarship programs.
Edward Davies, 51, of Columbia, Maryland, and Earl Hamilton, 53, of Riviera Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to credit card fraud. They are to be sentenced on April 7, 2023, by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. The plea agreements call for both defendants to make restitution for their criminal acts.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region, U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General.
According to the plea documents, from at least November 2015 to February 2016, Davies and Hamilton perpetrated a scheme in which they obtained and used for personal benefit, DC Trust credit cards and a check card – whose bills were paid for by DC Trust funds. The DC Trust was a non-profit organization, created in 1999, to serve as an intermediary to connect philanthropists, government leaders, youth advocates, and representatives from the business community in order to support programs to benefit the children of the District of Columbia. Davies was the Executive Director and Hamilton was the Director of Operations and Finance. The organization was dissolved in late 2016.
The diverted funds, provided to the non-profit by the government of the District of Columbia and the U.S. Department of Education, were intended to provide scholarship programs for D.C. youth. According to the plea documents, Davies and Hamilton used DC Trust credit cards and a check card to make hundreds of personal purchases, for expenses such as meals, automobile repairs, and personal travel for themselves, their family members, and their friends. In total, Davies admitted to stealing at least $111,000 and Hamilton admitted to stealing at least $44,000 by using DC Trust credit cards and a check card for personal expenses.
The D.C. Office of the Inspector General, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Department of Education Office of the Inspector General have been investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Rakoczy and Diane Lucas, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Amanda Rohde and Lisa Abbe.
Former Montgomery Physician at the Center of an Oxycodone Prescription Scheme Sentenced to over 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Yesterday, former physician D’livro Lemat Beauchamp, 56, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally distribute oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, from 1996 to 2020, Beauchamp practiced medicine at a Montgomery medical practice named Obelisk Healthcare. Sometime around 2012, Beauchamp agreed to write illegitimate and unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions. For writing each prescription, Beauchamp received $350. From 2012 to 2020, various organizers of the scheme recruited individuals to fill these illegitimate prescriptions at assorted pharmacies. Beauchamp wrote prescriptions to these recruits that he knew served no legitimate medical purpose. Recruits were typically paid between $100 and $250 per prescription filled, and the organizers then collected the oxycodone pills to sell to other distributors. Beauchamp wrote nearly 1,600 illegal prescriptions as part of the scheme, causing the illegal distribution of approximately 4,000,000 milligrams of oxycodone. In total, 38 individuals were charged for their roles in this conspiracy.
Beauchamp pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in October of 2020. Beauchamp’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“By allowing them to prescribe powerful medications, society places a great deal of trust in physicians,” stated United States Attorney Stewart. “Not only did the defendant’s unlawful actions violate his oath to provide care for his patients, but they also contributed to the vicious cycle of addiction that is destroying lives and families. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad did an excellent job of identifying Beauchamp’s alarming prescribing pattern. The thorough investigation that followed resulted in the dismantling of a drug supply line that led straight to our communities.”
“The successful prosecution of D’livro Lemat Beauchamp should put on notice those who engage in this type of illegal activity,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James. “We will work together with state and local law enforcement to see that anyone involved in the diversion of pharmaceuticals will be brought to justice”
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad investigated this case, with assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery Police Department, the Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen K. Moulton, B. Chelsea Phillips, and Jonathan S. Ross prosecuted the case.
Former Louisiana Police Chief, City Councilmember, and Additional Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Vote Buying ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Washington - A former police chief in Amite City, Louisiana and a forme Amite City councilmemberwew each sentenced yesterday to one year in prison for violating federal elction laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election.
In addition to the prison sentence, the former police chief was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Today, an additional co-conspirator was sentenced to four months in prison for his role in the scheme.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jerry Trabona, 73, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 50, a former Amite City councilmember, agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election, contests in which Trabona and Hart were candidates. Trabona and Hart’s vote buying scheme included the solicitation and hiring of individuals responsible for identifying potential voters, the transportation of those voters to the polls, and payment and offer of payment to the voters for voting. In the 2016 election, co-conspirator Sidney Smith, 69, of Amite City, paid voters with money provided by Trabona and Hart.
Two other Louisiana men who previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in the vote buying scheme, Calvin Batiste and Louis Ruffino, will be sentenced at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen T. O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former Louisiana Police Chief, City Councilmember, and Additional Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Vote Buying ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former police chief in Amite City, Louisiana and a former Amite City councilmember were each sentenced yesterday to one year in prison for violating federal election laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election.
In addition to the prison sentence, the former police chief was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Today, an additional co-conspirator was sentenced to four months in prison for his role in the scheme.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jerry Trabona, 73, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 50, a former Amite City councilmember, agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election, contests in which Trabona and Hart were candidates. Trabona and Hart’s vote buying scheme included the solicitation and hiring of individuals responsible for identifying potential voters, the transportation of those voters to the polls, and payment and offer of payment to the voters for voting. In the 2016 election, co-conspirator Sidney Smith, 69, of Amite City, paid voters with money provided by Trabona and Hart.
Two other Louisiana men who previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in the vote buying scheme, Calvin Batiste and Louis Ruffino, will be sentenced at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen T. O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former DC Corrections Officer Charged with a Federal Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment that was unsealed today charging a former District of Columbia Department of Corrections officer with using unreasonable force.
According to court documents, former D.C. corrections officer Marcus Bias, 26, pushed a handcuffed pre-trial detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him within the Department of Corrections on June 12, 2019, causing injury to the detainee.
Bias faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for his use of unreasonable force, a term of supervised release, and fines.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Anna Gotfryd and Rebekah Bailey of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former D.C. Corrections Officer Charged with a Federal Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment that was unsealed today charging a former District of Columbia Department of Corrections officer with using unreasonable force.
According to court documents, former D.C. corrections officer Marcus Bias, 26, pushed a handcuffed pre-trial detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him within the Department of Corrections on June 12, 2019, causing injury to the detainee.
Bias faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for his use of unreasonable force, a term of supervised release, and fines.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Anna Gotfryd and Rebekah Bailey of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Customs and Border Protection Agent Indicted for Federal Civil Rights Violation for Sexually Assaulting and Kidnapping a MinorRead the Press Release
A former agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was charged in a superseding indictment, unsealed today, in the District of Arizona with three counts: a civil rights violation for sexually assaulting and kidnapping a minor victim, kidnapping a minor victim, and misleading state investigators.
According to the superseding indictment, on April 25, 2022, Aaron Mitchell, 27, was employed as a CBP agent. The alleged minor victim, referred to in the indictment as M.V., was 15-years-old when the defendant allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted them. Mitchell is also charged with making a misleading statement to investigators regarding his conduct related to the sexual assault and kidnapping.
If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a minimum of 20 years imprisonment, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Sierra Vista resident agency investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carin Duryee for the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney MarLa Duncan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Federal Court Rejects Claims of Medical Malpractice and Medical Battery Against the United StatesRead the Press Release
For Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U. S. Attorney Steven J. Poliakoff (619) 546-7058 and Janet A. Cabral (619) 546-8715SAN DIEGO – A federal judge held, following a recent bench trial, that a San Diego woman failed to establish her claims of medical malpractice and medical battery against the United States.
Instead, the court found that the evidence at trial “overwhelmingly” supported the United States’ position that obstetrician Sandra Lopez, M.D., from the federally-funded Vista Community Clinic (“VCC”), met the standard of care in her treatment of the plaintiff and in performing an emergency Cesarean-section delivery with informed consent. VCC is one of many federally-funded health centers nationwide that receive federal funding to provide medical care in underserved communities.
The plaintiff, who was 41½ weeks pregnant, was admitted to Tri-City Medical Center for induction of labor on November 15, 2017. Her attending VCC obstetrician, Sandra Lopez, M.D., ordered Pitocin to induce labor. The plaintiff requested, and an anesthesiologist inserted, a continuous epidural anesthetic to relieve pain. Both the Pitocin and epidural anesthetic were administered pursuant to Tri-City Hospital Medical Center protocols, which the evidence demonstrated met the standard of care.
According to evidence presented at trial, at approximately 5:20 a.m, the following morning, nursing staff noted a markedly diminished fetal heartbeat, and called Dr. Lopez, who arrived at the plaintiff’s bedside by 5:21 a.m. Dr. Lopez confirmed that the baby’s heartbeat was dangerously slow and weak. Dr. Lopez consulted with the plaintiff, who agreed to undergo an emergency Cesarean-section delivery to prevent neurologic injury and possibly death to her baby. Dr. Lopez called for an emergency Cesarean-section delivery per Tri-City Hospital protocol, which should result in all members of the surgical team promptly appearing at the operating room. However, the hospital paging notification system (for which the United States was not responsible) was delayed, and the anesthesiologist did not receive timely notification.
The baby’s very slow and very weak heartbeat meant that its blood supply to critical organs, including the brain, was being severely compromised. If allowed to continue, the baby would suffer irreversible brain damage and possibly death. Not knowing when, or even if, the anesthesiologist would arrive, Dr. Lopez consulted with the plaintiff, who again consented to Cesarean-section delivery of her baby, but now with injection of a local anesthetic to augment the anesthesia that she already had in place with the epidural anesthetic. Dr. Lopez conducted a pinch test in the plaintiff’s lower abdomen, both before and after the injection of the local anesthetic, to confirm that the plaintiff did not have sensation in the area.
During the surgery, the anesthesiologist arrived and further anesthetized the plaintiff. Within one minute of beginning the surgery, Dr. Lopez delivered a normal and healthy baby.
In her complaint, which was reported by many local news outlets after its filing, the plaintiff alleged that the United States, through Dr. Lopez, breached the standard of care in the administration of Pitocin (thereby creating the baby’s distress) and committed medical battery by performing an emergency Cesarean-section delivery without anesthesia, and without the plaintiff’s consent. The Court disagreed and found that:
Plaintiff has failed to establish her claims of medical malpractice and medical battery in this case. The evidence overwhelmingly supports Defendant’s position that Dr. Lopez met the standard of care in her treatment of Plaintiff and proceeded to perform the emergency c-section with informed consent, and to perform it under local anesthesia with informed consent.
"Dr. Lopez’s quick thinking and her command of the operating room in this obstetrical emergency was of the highest order and resulted in the birth of a healthy baby,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The United States Attorney’s Office was honored to defend this case and is grateful that justice was found in the court’s ruling."
Case Number
Delfina Mota v. United States of America, 19-cv-1212-AJB-NLS
SUMMARY OF CLAIMS
- Medical negligence
- Medical Battery
AGENCY
Department of Health and Human Services
Fall River Police Officer Indicted for Civil Rights Violations and False ReportsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River Police Officer was arrested today in connection with an alleged assault with a baton on a man in Fall River Police custody.
Nicholas M. Hoar, 35, was indicted on one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of false reports. Hoar was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston today at 1:45pm before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.
According to the indictment, on Dec. 21, 2020, while on duty as an officer with the Fall River Police Department, Hoar struck an individual who had been arrested in the forehead with a baton, resulting in bodily injury to the arrestee. The indictment further alleges that, on Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, 2020, Hoar submitted two reports which omitted any mention of the fact that he had struck the arrestee in the forehead with a baton.
The charge of deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in bodily injury provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false reports provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Rollins’ Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eight gang members sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the execution of a teenage gang member for suspected "snitching"Read the Press Release
ATLANTA – Gary Terrell Davis, an associate of the 135 Piru gang responsible for a series of violent acts throughout the Northern District of Georgia, is the last defendant to be sentenced for his role in a federal RICO conspiracy. The main targets in the case, including lead defendant Maurice Antonio Kent, were previously convicted and sentenced for their roles in the execution-style murder of a 17-year-old boy and other offenses.
“The pain and fear these defendants caused through their senseless violence has forever altered the lives of the victims, the victims’ families, and the witnesses brave enough to assist investigators.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their perseverance in investigating the various acts of violence and threats of violence committed by this gang over the years and for bringing a measure of closure to those who have been impacted. While the perpetrators of these crimes are now in prison, tragically the gang culture that promoted these violent acts remains a scourge in our community. At-risk teens remain vulnerable to the lure of gang culture and require our collective diligence to avoid this dangerous path.”
“The members of the 135th Street Pirus gang were willing to violently assault and kill people for the smallest perceived sign of disrespect,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and the Safe Streets Gang Task Force are committed to working with our partners to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their crimes and to eliminate gang violence from our communities.”
“This case is a great example of how collaboration with our local and federal partners is necessary to fight organized crime,” stated Brookhaven Chief of Police Brandon Gurley. “We are grateful for the relentless work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold this final defendant accountable for the violent crimes he committed in our city and throughout Georgia.”
“Again, I’d like to credit the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia that has been in place for many years,” said Cartersville Police Chief Frank McCann. “The PSN program puts federal, state, and local law enforcement officers together regularly to remove violent repeat offenders from our streets.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: The 135 Pirus gang originated in Compton, California, and has a national presence, including in the Northern District of Georgia. Maurice Antonio Kent, a.k.a. “Savage Duze,” 32, the lead defendant charged in the RICO Conspiracy, was a gang leader in northwest Georgia with leadership authority over members in the vicinity of Cartersville and Rome, Georgia.
In the early morning hours of May 13, 2017, an argument occurred outside a Brookhaven, Georgia, nightclub between a California-based 135 Pirus gang member and a rival gang member. At that time, Kent fired multiple rounds into a crowd of people outside the club, critically wounding the other gang member as well as a club security guard. During his flight from the scene, Kent tossed the firearm from a vehicle just before he was apprehended by police. Soon after being arrested and while in custody, Kent learned that a 17-year-old fellow gang member, who may have witnessed the shooting, was interviewed by law enforcement. Kent suspected the teen of “snitching.” Two days later, 135 Pirus gang members devised a plan to lure the teenager to Bartow County, where they shot and killed him with Kent’s gun, leaving the boy’s body on a rural road.
At Kent’s federal trial earlier this year, a jury heard evidence that eight months prior to the nightclub shooting, Kent committed a drive-by shooting of a man standing in his front yard in Cartersville, Georgia. After that shooting, Kent threw the firearm into Lake Allatoona. The FBI later recovered the gun from the bottom of the lake and matched cartridge casings and a bullet from the drive-by shooting to Kent’s firearm.
On May 18, 2022, the jury found Maurice Antonio Kent a.k.a., “Savage Duze,” 32, of Cartersville, Georgia, guilty of RICO Conspiracy, violent crime in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during the commission of those violent crimes, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. On August 24, 2022, the Court sentenced Kent to 40 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Gary Terrell Davis, a.k.a. “Bhody,” 36, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In addition to Kent and Davis, the following 135 Pirus gang members and associates were previously convicted and sentenced in this case:
- Christopher Nwanjoku, a.k.a. “Problem,” 30, a 135 Pirus leader from Lawrenceville, Georgia, received a sentence of 25 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Nwanjoku pled guilty to RICO Conspiracy.
- Jamel Dupree Hughes, a.k.a. “Savage,” 28, a 135 Pirus member from Atlanta, Georgia, received a sentence of 26 years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Hughes pled guilty to murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
- Cedric Sams, Jr., a.k.a. “Awall,” 30, a 135 Pirus member from Cartersville, Georgia, received a sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sams pled guilty to murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.
- Michael Kent, a.k.a. “Wikked,” 32, a 135 Pirus associate from Atlanta, Georgia, who is Maurice Antonio Kent’s twin brother, was sentenced to 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Michael Kent pled guilty to RICO Conspiracy.
- Jennifer Foutz, a.k.a. “Rose,” 30, a 135 Pirus member from Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Foutz pled guilty to aiding and abetting murder in aid of racketeering and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.
- DaSean Dorey, 29, a 135 Pirus member from Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced to ten years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Dorsey pled guilty to aiding and abetting murder in aid of racketeering and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, with valuable assistance provided by the Brookhaven Police Department, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, the Cartersville Police Department, and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Morris, who serves as a Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator, and Michael Herskowitz, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Eight Individuals Charged in Alleged $30 Million Unemployment Benefits SchemeRead the Press Release
Charges were unsealed today against eight individuals for conspiring to defraud the Georgia Department of Labor of tens of millions of dollars in federal funds intended for unemployment benefits.
Seven defendants have been indicted and one defendant has already pleaded guilty for her role in the scheme.
According to court documents, Tyshion Nautese Hicks, 30, of Vienna, Georgia; Shatara Hubbard, 34, of Warner Robins, Georgia; Torella Wynn, 30, of Cordele, Georgia; Macovian Doston, 29, of Vienna; Kenya Whitehead, 35, of Cordele; A’Darrion Alexander, 27, of Warner Robins; Membrish Brown, 27, of Vienna; and Edith Nate Hicks, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia and others allegedly caused more than 5,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to be filed with the Georgia Department of Labor (GaDOL), resulting in at least $30 million in stolen benefits meant to assist unemployed individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To execute the scheme, the defendants and others allegedly created fictitious employers and fabricated lists of purported employees using stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from thousands of identity theft victims and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on the GaDOL website. The defendants allegedly stole PII from a variety of sources, including by paying defendant Edith Nate Hicks, an employee of an Atlanta-area health care and hospital network, to unlawfully obtain patients’ PII from the hospital’s databases. The defendants also allegedly caused the stolen UI funds to be disbursed via prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses of their choice, many of which were in and around Cordele and Vienna.
Tyshion Nautese Hicks, Hubbard, Wynn, Doston, Whitehead, Alexander, and Brown are each charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Tyshion Nautese Hicks and Doston are also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be imposed consecutively with any other sentence. Alexander is also charged with money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Edith Nate Hicks was charged by criminal information with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and pleaded guilty to this offense on Nov. 15. According to her plea agreement, Hicks unlawfully used her employer’s patient databases to steal PII for the unemployment fraud scheme in exchange for payments via Chime, Venmo, and CashApp. She unlawfully accessed at least 1,600 Atlanta-area patients’ PII during the conspiracy. Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
As to all defendants, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Atlanta Region; Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG); Resident Agent in Charge Clint Bush of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Albany, Georgia Office; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) Southern Area Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
The DOL-OIG, DHS-OIG, USSS, USPIS, HSI, USPS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Lyndie Freeman, Matt Kahn, and Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. You are also encouraged to visit our webpage for this case at http://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-tyshion-nautese-hicks-et-al.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.